<p>We drove to Stevenson College on a past Sunday. The campus was mostly empty and my son did not appear interested. However, this school has a few good things going for it: small classes, nice housing, and the majors my son is interested in, among other majors should he decide to switch. I think it is a very good academic fit.</p>
<p>I told my son let's go do the college tour of Stevenson and get more info. to see if this school might be worth considering. My son is skeptical--should we give Stevenson another chance?</p>
<p>Have 3 schools my son wants to apply and he thinks that is enough. However, others are telling me that our son should apply to more schools. Any opinions?</p>
<p>mdcissp - I think one more can’t hurt. It looks like a fairly easy admit for a B student - and with rolling admissions - hopefully your son would get a pretty quick response. Here’s a link with quick facts for anyone who is curious:</p>
<p>“Stevenson University has two beautiful campuses located just outside of Baltimore in Stevenson and Owings Mills, Maryland. Students, faculty, staff, and visitors get the best of both worlds-- the history and beauty of a rural campus (the Greenspring Campus) and the convenience and liveliness of a more urban location (the Owings Mills Campus). Classes are held on both campuses and the University provides a free shuttle service that runs between locations throughout the day.” </p>
<p>“The Villa Julie name will endure as the Villa Julie College of Arts and Sciences. With this change, the original campus in Stevenson, Maryland is now referred to as the Greenspring Campus.”</p>
<p>"Stevenson University Ranked No. 11 Among Regional Colleges-North Region in 2011 U.S. News Best College Rankings
Stevenson University has been ranked No. 11 among “Regional Colleges-North Region” in the 2011 edition of U. S. News & World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges” rankings, placing it in the top 10 percent of the 319 colleges and universities nationwide that are ranked in this category.</p>
<p>This is Stevenson’s second year placed at No. 11, climbing to this spot in last year’s rankings from No. 15 in 2009."</p>
<p>Rockvillemom is right; the housing is not all on one campus. I do not know about academic buildings. Stevenson has a new football team, which is exciting for the college.</p>
<p>Mdcissp: It can’t hurt to do a tour, but wait until classes start. Most campuses look pretty dead on a summer Sunday. Stevenson has been working very hard to improve student life. I agree with Rockvillemom that this looks like a good safety for your son.</p>
<p>The housing for Stevenon University is all on one campus. The academic buildings are split between two campuses - Greenspring and Owings Mills.</p>
<p>The reason the campus was empty is that school is not in session. Move in is this weekend.
Stevenson was originally a commuter school - the housing is all farily new (5-6 years old). There are only suites and apartments - no traditional dorms which are all located close together on the Owings Mills Campus.
All athletic facilities are now on the Owings mills campus - they bought the old Baltimore Ravens training camp and have those fields as well as the fitness center. They are finishing up a brand new gym and basketball will move over this winter.
Football is coming and a D-III team will begin next fall.</p>
<p>If you visit go for an open house, overnight visits are also available. For a private school they do a good job with financial aid and have a lot of merit scholarships.<br>
Academically, this is a great school for a B+ student. Kids with higher stats will find considerable $$ thrown their way.</p>
<p>Stevenson has a lot going for it. Small classes, nice housing, good academic programs.
Can you please tell us why Stevenson was chosen? How are the academics, and social aspect? I think my son should tour this school, but thinks the school is in Baltimore-does not like Baltimore. I explained it is in Owings Mill, do not know anything about Owings Mill, and is not in Baltimore like Johns Hopkins. He is worried about the high crime in Balitmore. Not sure this is a realistic concern.</p>
<p>Mdcissp: Owings Mills is an up-scale suburb about 25 minutes from Baltimore city. I have friends who live in the area, and it is very safe. The Stevenson Owings Mills campus has some strip centers with restaurants that appeal to college students in walking distance. The older Greenspring Valley campus is in a beautiful, almost rural area surrounded by lavish homes and farms. I suggest that you convince your son to visit the school after classes start. Remind him to keep an open mind and give it a chance.</p>
<p>For the record, JHU has a beautiful campus on the outskirts of Baltimore city. The immediate surrounding area is very nice. It gets rougher as you get farther away from campus.</p>
<p>Stevenson has a Baltimore address but is actually outside the beltway.
The Owings Mills campus is actually gated. It’s very safe.<br>
Kids choose Stevenson because of specific programs and because they offer some really nice merit scholarships although a hefty number are full pay students. For a private college tuition is not outrageous.</p>
<p>I would not compare it to JHU - they are very different universities with different expected academic rigor and missions in different geographical locations.</p>
<p>I agree about a college campus on ANY summer day being relatively dead, and even during the school year going too early on a weekend day (when most college students are still asleep) is not going to give a realistic picture of campus life.</p>
<p>Another chance can’t hurt, so long as the chance is given when the student population is likely to be around.</p>
<p>On the other hand, if it does not click at all with students around, it may not be a good fit socially, despite how perfect a fit it is academically.</p>